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The SAI has become the SASIE

Since October 25, 2022, the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale (SAI) has changed its name for the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l’enfant (SASIE). For more information, see the News section of our website.

Training prior to adopting a child domiciled outside Québec will become mandatory

As of August 10, 2023, the International Adoption: First Steps and Thoughts training program will be mandatory for all persons domiciled in Québec considering international adoption. For more information, see the News section of our website.

International law

Adoption must be a meeting of the child’s needs and the wishes of the adoptive parents.

International Social Service, Geneva, 1999

The child is at the centre of all adoption concerns. A number of principles are recognized and applied within the international community to ensure the well-being of the child.

One of those principles is that the search to find a child a permanent family is first carried out in the child's country of origin. If no adoptive family is found in the country of origin, the search may be expanded internationally.

Before adopting, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the principles and conventions on which international adoption is founded: